Hamlet 5.2

2. This scene is obviously very important to the plot line. It closes up all of the loose ends of the book. I do not like this writing style. Shakespeare drags on the plot throughout the whole play and then has everything happen in the last scene. Even though he had an interesting ending, it felt rushed to me and like he was just trying to end the play. I think he could have worked on developing his ending a little better instead of making it so abrupt. With out this scene, the play would really be nothing. This scene is what makes the play.

5. Claudius gets what he deserves in this scene. He is the reason for multiple deaths, including his own wife's. His "flawless plan" goes completely wrong in this scene. EVen though he had multiple ways to back up killing Hamlet, his plan just resulted in backfiring on him. I am happy Claudius was killed because he was a sneaky, deceptive, jerk. He didn't care about anyone but himself and the benefits of being a king. He deserved what he got and now he will also be remembered with a shameful reputation.

4. Hamlet- "Give me your pardon sir. I have done you wrong; / But pardon 't as you are a gentleman. This presence / knows, / And you must needs heard, how I am punished / With a sore distraction...Free me so far in your most generous thoughts / That I have shot my arrow o'er the house / And hurt my brother." (5.2.240-258).

Hamlet's whole speech to Laertes makes him look completely crazy. I thought it was funny that he is speaking about his craziness when in reality I think he is actually on the brink of craziness, not acting anymore. He blames his actions on his "illness" and says that Laertes cannot be mad at Hamlet because it is not his fault. He tells Laertes he can be mad at his illness and also talks about how he is the "faction that is wronged;" by his "madness" (5.2.252). In the process of seeking revenge, Hamlet has become mad.

-When Hamlet and Laertes are starting to fight, Claudius pours drinks and says, "The King shall drink to Hamlet's better breath, " (5.2.290). I found this line to be very ironic. The King is drinking to Hamlet's health and yet the drink he is drinking will soon be a drink that will kill Hamlet. He is drinking to his health but is going to poison Hamlet with this drink- irony.